We started our stay in Chimaltenango with an earthquake. The next morning, after the initial shock of what happened, I thought about how meaningful it was that on our first night there the earth actually moved beneath our feet.
As the month continued and we all grew in relationships at our ministries, as squad mates returned energized, happy and excited for what we got to be a part of I reflected on where we were.
As we participated in local traditions, tried new food and fumbled through communication with our hosts that loved us so well I felt God there. When the children in the park took our signs and started giving out free hugs themselves I saw God there. When a little boy brought me crayons to color with on the street I sat with God there.
We felt darkness there, too. Hardship, suffering, sickness and defeat. But we persevered. And one day in the square as we witnessed a public worship and prayer session put together by one of our partners I couldn’t help but think, “God is doing something mighty here”.
As we prayed over the Adventures in Missions base that is being built and as we discussed how these new partners in Chimaltenango can host teams in the future I felt excitement for what God is doing there. And exceedingly grateful that I was able to play a small part.
I witnessed person after person serve us so well and so selflessly there.
Logan, our main host, laughed and planned and helped us daily all while continuing to do his job running a school. He also translated for us, advocated for what the World Race is to potential ministry partners and so many others in the community on a daily basis.
I was humbled by Patty, our contact at the El Tejar library, she graciously gave her time to help us learn Spanish, to get to know her community. She shared her heart, her history, her dreams and her love for God with us.
Again and again we were served with kindness and outrageous generosity by our three cooks and the owner of the house we stayed in. Sandra, our cook, even opened her doors to us to share two meals in her home. And Rudy, the owner of the house so graciously provided a place for us to stay and treated us like family.
I loved my time there. I don’t know how well I’ve expressed it. That city in the clouds full of kind, colorful, giving, patient, God loving people. I know that I will never forget it.
We started with an earthquake and ended with a volcano erupting. On our last day there, for the first time, the clouds broke and we could see Fuego erupting. Ash dusted us in the morning as we said our final goodbyes to Patty.
All month I’ve been reading Isaiah 61 when I open my bible. I think it’s only fitting that as we leave a city–and a country–that is often dusted with ash that I pray those words over them. Verse 3 in particular, that they have a beautiful headdress instead of ashes…they are oaks of righteousness.
I will miss this city in the clouds and the people I have grown to love there but I rejoice for them as I looyk ahead to the promises that God has in store
